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Shop Simple - Peggy

Okay, it's been nearly a month since I lasted posted anything on here and for that I apologise. I have been working on some freelance writing which has kept me busy elsewhere. But I'm back now and I have a few nice posts to share with you.

This week has brought about another bombshell. Waking up on Wednesday to snow and Trump made me think that hell had indeed frozen over. It's taken me a few days to get over my anger and it has made me realize that more than ever we have to support, help, nurture and simply be kind to one another. #lovetrumpshate after all.

As you probably all know by now, I've been on a quest to simplify my life and my home. Part of this is to live with a lot less stuff, embrace a wholehearted lifestyle and make considered purchases when I do have to buy something. Of course as the most commercial time of the year approaches, it gets really hard to avoid buying things. This Christmas I'm going to make my own wrapping paper and I don't bother with cards at all, I haven't for years, opting to give the money to charity instead. The only gift I'm buying from a retailer is for my son as we wants a games console (it's always the gadgets when you have a teenager). For other gifts I'm shopping independent and local. Over the next couple of weeks I've put together some of my favourite finds that I hope you will love as much as I do. These are all run by creatives, artists or are local businesses in the North and are all people I passionately support and choose to shop with. First up is the beautiful handmade rope and embroidery thread jewellery by Peggy.

Peggy is the creation of Sheffield mum of four, Beth. I first discovered Beth's work on Instagram and her account is one of my absolute favourites. Her home is packed full of charm with vintage finds, ceramics, flowers and plants yet it has a simple, quiet feel to it too. I was lucky enough to meet Beth and her little boy recently as she came along to the talk I gave on blogging at Mama Social. I was really nervous but Beth helped put me at ease and I felt completely supported with her kind words of encouragement (and her boy is adorable, just the sweetest of kids!). Seriously, if you don't already follow her on Instagram, get on it, she is one super stylish girl.

Beth's handmade jewellery adds colour to any outfit and simply puts a big old smile on your face. From chunky, intricate knot pieces, single natural rope necklaces in vibrant shades to smaller pieces like these natural rope brooches made using the macrame Josephine knot, her work is quirky and unique. I have one of her single rope necklaces in black and red (top image) and I love it, teaming it regularly with simple tops and jumpers. Now we're heading to winter I'm planning to treat myself to one of the little brooches as it would be the perfect accessory to brighten up my navy cardigan.